20
Aug 2025

0

Havoc in the Philippines as Typhoons Strike: Relief Efforts Underway

In a series of devastating weather events, the Philippines was struck by six typhoons between October and November 2024, claiming more than 160 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. The impact has been particularly severe on Catanduanes Island, off southeastern Luzon, where local fishing communities were left reeling after Typhoon Manny made landfall on November 16. PBV has launched a comprehensive aid program in partnership with the local NGO People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN). The initiative targets 21 small-scale fishermen, focusing on vulnerable households including those with pregnant women, elderly members, and children. By May’s end, eight fishermen whose boats were completely destroyed had received new fiberglass […]

10
Aug 2025

0

Torrential Rain in Southern Kyushu; Emergency Relief Fund Launched

In response to the relentless rainfall that has been pounding southern Kyushu since early August 8, PBV has deployed a team to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. The initial supply of 100 cases of bottled water has been procured from our Saga office and transported to the affected areas to support immediate needs. The focus of our assessment is on areas severely impacted by the floods, particularly in Kirishima City and Aira City in Kagoshima Prefecture. Local authorities have been engaged to gather firsthand information about the current situation as part of the investigation. As survey activities continue, PBV is carefully considering subsequent steps to provide effective assistance. The […]

05
Aug 2025

0

Update from Lviv: Re-Gait Supporting at UNBROKEN

Since April, the innovative rehabilitation device Re-Gait has been actively used at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, thanks to a joint project with Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV). In just two months, a total of 25 patients have already taken part in Re-Gait-supported rehabilitation — with many more expected in the coming weeks. In June alone, six patients were undergoing therapy with the device, and four successfully completed their rehabilitation programs. The steady use of the device demonstrates its growing role in patient recovery routines at the center. One of the physiotherapists working with Re-Gait shared: “In my opinion, the Re-Gait is an effective tool that supports rehabilitation […]

24
Jul 2025

0

Project Report Published: Supporting the Rehabilitation in Ukraine

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has been actively engaged in supporting the people of Ukraine through various initiatives in Japan and neighboring countries. In April 2024, PBV collaborated with UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv on a project aimed at advancing physical rehabilitation support for injured Ukrainians. In April 2025, Dr. Liubov Koloshynska from UNBROKEN visited Japan to take part in a training that included visits to rehabilitation facilities in Hiroshima and Fukuyama and knowledge exchange with Japanese medical professionals. This visit helped strengthen cross-border collaboration in the field of rehabilitation medicine and brought valuable insights back to Ukraine. As part of the […]

23
Jul 2025

0

Supporters from France Visit PBV Office in Japan

Supporters of PBV from France recently visited our office in Tokyo during a trip to Japan. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for PBV to connect directly with its international supporters and express gratitude for their ongoing monthly donations. They recalled, “We first learned about PBV through social media coverage of the Noto Peninsula earthquake.” Their unwavering support has continued since that time. They are contemplating a move to Japan in the future and are planning another visit next year. This meeting was an invaluable opportunity to connect face-to-face with our international supporters. Looking ahead, PBV hopes to organize events to engage more directly with our supporters.

16
Jul 2025

0

Tragedy, Recovery and the Work We Do

In early April 2025, I traveled with Dr. Liubov Koloshynska — a rehabilitation specialist from the Ukrainian UNBROKEN project — to Hiroshima for a two-day training. She was there to learn how to use RE-Gait, a Japanese robotic walking-assist device, which Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) had donated to a rehabilitation center in Lviv. The schedule was packed with demonstrations, hands-on sessions, and hospital visits. Everything was focused on learning — how to fit the device, how to select patient modes, how to monitor and adjust the rehabilitation process. It was deeply practical, technical work. But during this short visit, we were also invited to take part in something far […]

07
Jul 2025

0

Tanabata Star Festival Brings Community Together in Machino

Residents of Machino, a town still recovering from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, gathered along the banks of the Machino River on Friday evening for the third annual “Waterside Toast.” This nationwide event sees communities across Japan toasting by the water at 7:07 p.m., and Machino, affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, embraced the occasion to foster community spirit. On the day of the event, the community Space, Machino no Ma, operated by PBV, extended its open hours until 9 p.m. to welcome locals. The atmosphere was filled with the calming sounds of the river, the gentle breeze, and the lively chatter of residents. Local restaurant Tominari added to the festive […]

25
Jun 2025

0

Bringing Hope to Disaster-Hit Community in Wajima

Machino-no-ma, a community space run by PBV, has welcomed over 700 visitors since opening its doors on 13 May. Initially serving primarily residents of nearby temporary housing, the hub has seen a steady increase in visitors from the wider community, with daily footfall now approaching 50. The space offers a welcome respite for residents still grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. On 31 May, the atmosphere was further enlivened by a visit from Rakugo storyteller, Tsukitei Hoki, whose performance brought smiles to the faces of those gathered. “I love spending time here in the breeze,” commented one resident, while another simply enjoyed “a cup of coffee.” These simple pleasures […]

06
Jun 2025

0

PBV Representative Joins Global Effort to Reduce Risk

PBV member attends the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), together with the government of Switzerland, is now hosting the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025). This international conference brings together stakeholders working around the globe to discuss important topics related to disasters, challenges, good practices, innovative ideas, and more.  The Global Platform is the global forum where participants take stock of progress, share new knowledge, exchange best practices, and discuss the latest developments and trends in reducing disaster risk. The UN General Assembly recognizes the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as a critical […]

03
Jun 2025

0

Delivery Trucks Given New Life as Disaster Relief Kitchen Vehicles

On May 16, five delivery trucks were donated to Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) by PALLINE, a logistics company within the Pal System Group. The trucks, which have completed their service with Pal System, will be refurbished and converted into mobile food banks under PBV’s “FOOBOUR” project. FOOBOUR operates as an unmanned mobile food bank during normal times, providing food support to single-parent households and other vulnerable groups. During natural disasters, these vehicles transform into mobile kitchens, delivering meals, food supplies, and daily necessities to affected areas. The project is already operational in the Noto Peninsula, where a devastating earthquake struck earlier this year. PBV aims to deploy 100 FOOBOUR […]

Page 1 of 28